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November 28, 2006

Tommy & Beth Movie at Rock/Creek December 1, 2006

Rock/Creek Outfitters and Marmot are proud to present Tommy Caldwell & Beth Rodden Caldwell's "The First Couple of Rock." The movie and slideshow will take place at Rock/Creek Outfitters' Tremont Street location in Downtown Chattanooga, TN. The show starts 7:30 PM, Friday, December 1, 2006.

Come join us for this exciting movie; there will be a poster signing after the show. Here's what Beth & Tommy's Web site has to say about the film:

"From stories of 'first dates' while sleeping on El Capitan, to learning about the sacrifice and dedication it takes to complete one of the hardest rock climbing rouetes in the world, 'The First Couple of Rock' is a one-of-a-kind show profiling the lives of Beth Rodden and Tommy Caldwell. Using a mixture of stunning video and dramatic still images, the show follows the recently married couple over the course of a few months for a glimpse into the life of professional climibng.

Continue reading "Tommy & Beth Movie at Rock/Creek December 1, 2006"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:37 PM | TrackBack

Free Shipping: Orders over $49 now 'till December 15th: Give the Gift of Gear...

RockCreek.com Now Get Free Shipping over $49! Give the Gift of Gear…
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    Photo: Early season snow outside Crested Butte, Colorado. c. Gunnar Carnwath

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    Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:23 PM | TrackBack

    November 22, 2006

    Triple Crown Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser

    Triple Crown - Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser 2006
    Click for larger image Triple Crowners! The finale to the Triple Crown is just around the corner, and we have been hard-at-work to make this the best competition in the history of this series. To add to the fun, the event has once again been extended into Sunday!


    The Chattanooga Market has asked us (The Triple Crown/Southeastern Climbers’ Coalition) to once again help them raise money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity*, by having an indoor difficulty and dyno competition. These competitions will be held on Sunday December 3 (the day after the Little Rock City/Stone Fort comp).

    The location will be the same as our kick-off/awards ceremony site—the giant First Tennessee Pavilion in downtown Chattanooga. This event will coincide with the Chattanooga Market—a weekly event held at the pavilion. The Market will have over 50 local vendors (arts, crafts, and food). The Market typically draws between 1,000 and 5,000 visitors each weekend. We’ll begin taking registrations for the indoor comps at 10 am on Sunday on-site at the First Tennessee Pavilion.

    Continue reading "Triple Crown Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser"

    Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:54 PM | TrackBack

    10% Off Coupon Now through Sunday, Nov. 26th!

    Now through Sunday, November 26th, take 10% off your next order at RockCreek.com. Simply use coupon code "saveten" at checkout.

    RockCreek.com 10% Off Now through Sunday, Plus Free Shipping over $75
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    Expires midnight Sunday, November 26, 2006. One coupon per household. Does not apply to prior purchases.

    Photo: Babes in the Backcountry’s owner and director, Leslie Ross, earns her turns outside Truckee, California. c. Brooke F. Scott

    Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:38 PM | TrackBack

    November 20, 2006

    Five Ten Anasazi Verde: Limited Edition!

    Five Ten and RockCreek are proud to announce the limited edition release of the new Anasazi Verde Climbing Shoes.

    Five Ten Anasazi Verde Climbing ShoeWe are now taking pre-orders only on this new and improved Limited Edition climbing shoe. A better version this time, with an impressive heel, nicknamed "magic fingers" due to its phenomenal gripping qualities. The fit and comfort also got updated by effectively ridding the shoe of any remaining dead space.

    The Anasazi Verde now has Onyxx, the highest friction, most durable climbing rubber "in the universe." making the precision and power super detailed. You didn't think Five Ten could make a better shoe than the ones they have now? Well, believe it, because here it is. This is a limited run, so get them while they last!

    Your pre-order will ship December 4, 2006.

    Pre-order your Five Ten Anasazi Verde Climbing Shoes today at RockCreek.com.

    Five Ten leads the shoe industry with innovation. In 1985, Five Ten founder and President, Charles Cole, developed a rubber that made climbing easier. Stealth Rubber soles increased the amount of body weight a climber could exert on his feet before the rubber bond broke away from the rock. Simply by buying a new shoe, climbers could climb better. Since then, Cole has upped the ante with Stealth S1, Stealth C4, Stealth HF (high friction), Stealth Amphibia (for water), and now Stealth ONYXX, which is twice as durable as any other climbing rubber available, with 25 percent more friction.

    But rubber is just the start. In the climbing arena, Five Ten is responsible for the modern rock shoe design. Cole invented the first sling shot rand, the first down-turned last, and the first heel wedge to cushion impact. Other firsts include pull tabs on both climbing and approach shoes, baseball stitching in climbing shoes to alleviate hot spots and graded midsoles to adjust the shoe’s flexibility to different climber weights. Cole also invented the fishhook midsole, a leap in rock shoe design because, for the first time, a rock shoe could have stiffness around the toe’s perimeter for precision edging, and a flexible underfoot for smearing and sensitivity. Five Ten also introduced the first self-draining water shoes, and the first ankle to toe lacing on approach shoes, which allows a custom, performance fit.

    Because of Five Ten’s commitment to innovation and performance, Five Ten is the shoe-of-choice for the world’s top climbers. Even climbers who are paid high-dollar salaries to wear other brands secretly resole with Stealth rubber. From hiking to paddling to mountain biking, recreational and expert athletes alike know that Five Ten means more than footwear—Five Ten shoes are essential equipment for adventure.

    When you buy Five Ten, you know you are getting state-of-the-art technology—from the material of the uppers and the shape of the last, down to the ultra-technical midsoles and the world’s highest friction rubber. When you buy Five Ten, you know you are getting the best. A difference you’ll notice as soon as you step into your shoes.

    Shop all Five Ten Climbing Shoes >>

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    Posted by Mark McKnight at 5:09 PM | TrackBack

    November 16, 2006

    Trail Running Nutrition Tips

    In this article:
    Trail running is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the outdoor industry. Barely recognized as a sport a few years ago, trail running was viewed as a speedy alternative to hiking. However, with the emergence of ultra-distance running on trails the prestige that comes with winning a trail race has increased tremendously. As trail running becomes more mainstream, it is important that you as a runner remember a few crucial bits of nutritional information that will make any trail run all the more enjoyable.

    Hydration: The Key to Performance

    Proper hydration is at the forefront of any activity you plan to participate in. If your body is in motion, then you need to make sure that you are hydrated. Water is essential to the human body. 60-70% of our body mass is water, up to 90% of our brain mass is water, and up to 75% of muscle tissue is comprised of water. Water is also the main component of blood – the important carrier of glucose, oxygen and other nutrients. In general, your body loses 64-80 ounces of water daily through urine, feces, sweat, skin, and expired air. This water needs to be replaced by daily fluid consumption of 64-80 ounces. Another, albeit much less scientific, way to determine daily fluid requirements is to evaluate your urine. Dark and concentrated urine is indicative of inadequate fluid intake. Urine should be pale yellow to clear, and copious. Trail running is a four-season sport. You can run in practically any weather condition, on virtually any terrain.

    John Stamstad runs the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K Trail RunIn warm weather, the only way to ensure that you will not become dehydrated is to stop it before it happens. When you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. That is why it is important to properly hydrate before any event. The cliché eight glasses a day does not take into account your standard active athlete. If you are training in the heat, you need not worry about how many glasses you are drinking but rather concentrate on drinking periodically throughout the day. Keep a water bottle close to you at all times and sip from it continuously. This will ensure that your cells with be maximally hydrated at the start of any workout. Although water is great to be drinking if you are planning on sitting still all day, if you are active you should be hydrating with a carbohydrate solution, preferably one with anywhere between 6-8% carbohydrates. This will ensure that your body not only gets the hydration it craves but also that it maintains the right amount of electrolytes. During the trail run itself, focus on continuing to sip continuously from your water bottle. It is best if you can either run with a handheld water bottle or find a comfortable hydration pack. Weigh yourself before and after a hot weather workout to ensure proper rehydration. For every pound that you lose while running, rehydrate with 24oz of liquid or 150% of your total water loss.

    Continue reading "Trail Running Nutrition Tips"

    Posted by Mark McKnight at 5:03 PM | TrackBack

    November 15, 2006

    New Patagonia in Stock: Hundreds of New Styles + Clearance Sale

    We have added a wide variety of fun new clothing and gear from Patagonia. Known for designing top outdoor clothing, apparel, and gear for climbing, hiking, skiing, surf, trail running, paddling, travel, fishing...you name it; Patagonia leads the pack in outdoor equipment. Whether you're looking for performance outerwear, like insulated down jackets, windproof soft shells, or waterproof rainwear; capilene baselayers; organic cotton sportswear; synchilla fleece; technical or casual clothing for men, women and kids; or accessories, like gloves and hats, you can count on the best fit and performance from Patagonia. You can also rest assured that by supporting Patagonia, you are investing in positive changes to our global environment. Shop our Patagonia clothing & gear store today.

    If all the new styles don't get your blood pumping, I'm sure the sale items will. Save big on shorts, shirts, and other summer clothing, as well as select styles and colors of winter wear. These deals don't stick around long, so stop by soon for the best selection.

    RockCreek.com New Patagonia in Stock: Hundreds of New Styles + Clearance Sale
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    Photo: Teton Pass, Wyoming. c. Rob Scott

    Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:45 AM | TrackBack

    November 9, 2006

    "My First StumpJump Adventure"

    Angela Stansberry from Hanceville, AL sent in this great race report from this year's StumpJump 11 Mile race. Her husband ran the 50K and it sounds like they both had a great weekend here in Chattanooga. If you have any race stories to share, please send them on to Mark at mark @ rockcreek.com

    I'll try to keep this quick & to the point! This was my first ever trail race & I had an absolute blast!!! My husband Mike has finished several 100 milers, 50 milers & 50Ks -- I've always been his crew & really enjoyed the atmosphere & people....Well, this year he felt that I was ready to run my own race while he ran his....talk about SCARED! I was afraid I'd get lost (no way -- it was marked too well), that I'd be last (not that there's anything wrong with being last -- to finish is to win, right?), or that I'd fall off the mountain (well, I very nearly did)....we came up the day before for the tasty carbo load dinner & slide show -- lo & behold, both my husband & I were winners of some snazzy prizes in the raffle! This was an omen of things to come.... the day dawned clear & frosty, but many of us were "hanging out" in the restrooms prior to the start of the race (if you know what I mean -- race nerves). I was armed with long sleeved layers to shed later when the sweating started, my trusty iPod Shuffle loaded with Led Zeppelin & Steve Miller Band tunes, & my regular road trainers....how intimidating to be in the midst of all these seasoned, Montrail-clad, half-naked mountain goats! My goal was just to finish....

    My husband & I had strolled on the first mile or so of trail the day before -- he warned me that it was deceiving....well, he was right. I kept up with a smart pack of chattering youngsters until the trail changed....they sped off without me, their colorful singlets flashing, & left me in a lull....as I bounded down a rocky gully, I rolled an ankle & hit the ground with a grunt. I sprang to my feet expecting a broken ankle but it was suprisingly fine...then I expected a leg drenched in blood but no, it was only scraped....at least nobody witnessed the crash! I darted down the trail before the others caught up to me, heading into the roughest terrain I'd ever seen! Those swinging bridges made me spazz out & the skinny goat trails made me clench my teeth but I trudged onward....the aid stations were fabulous & so encouraging! They pumped me up & sent me out with the ominous words "It gets interesting from here on out"....imagine my panic by this announcement. There were times that I thought I was in big trouble -- climbing straight up the teeth of Signal mountain causes the ol' quads to seize up! I was exhausted already, with many miles left to go....

    On the return trip, I was pushed by a great guy who dogged my footsteps the entire way....I could hear the bridges creak as he stepped up & his gasps for air; these propelled me into constant forward motion, sometimes almost crawling. Bouncing down the rocks, constantly putting on my brakes while wiping sweat out of my eyes -- well, I thought my knee was toast. It was just me & the guy behind me....I put some distance between us & halted mid-trail to lay hands on my knee & ask the Lord for some help....He came through, as always, & I managed to trot my way back out to the pavement. Man, was I excited to find out I didn't have to re-enter the woods! I was actually almost done, the finish line was in sight, & the faithful crowd clapped & cheered as I gasped my way past the time clock (which read 2 hrs. & 27 min.). I scavenged an ice bag for my knee & collapsed on the grass to bask in the glory of my first 11 miler....my husband came streaking across that same finish line in 6 hrs. & all in one piece.....we were proud of each other & thrilled to be a part of the same race....

    Thanks, Rock Creek Outfitters! Because of your great atmosphere, fine give-aways & fabulous volunteers, I had a perfect weekend....now excuse me as while go dig the gravel out of my leg! See you next year...

    Angela Stansberry
    Hanceville, Alabama

    Read more about the StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race, and shop for trail running gear at RockCreek.com

    Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:57 AM | TrackBack